Central African Republic: Worrying upsurge in violence in Bangui

30-05-2014 News Release 14/91

Bangui/Geneva (ICRC) – Following the recent upsurge in violence in Bangui over the past few days, the International Committee of the Red Cross calls on all sides to respect the right to life of all civilians, including the sick and wounded.

“We are very worried about the current situation in Bangui,” explained Jürg Eglin, head of the ICRC delegation in the Central African Republic. “The life and dignity of civilians must be respected and protected at all times.”

The ICRC has medical teams in Bangui Community Hospital to care for the wounded.

“We must be allowed to evacuate sick and wounded people, and collect the bodies of the dead, in complete safety and without hindrance,” said Jürg Eglin. “We call on all weapon bearers to allow the ICRC access to carry on our neutral and impartial work.”